Governor Bentley Releases Statement in Support of Senator Shelby and Senator Sessions Vote on the Omnibus Bill

MONTGOMERY–Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday issued a statement regarding Alabama Senators intention to vote on the Congressional Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

“As Alabama’s Governor, I have called into question the Obama Administration’s flawed refugee resettlement program and the dangerous refugee vetting process aimed at excluding states. For over a month, I have asked for, and have yet to receive any answers or viable solutions from the Obama Administration. I commend Alabama Senator Richard Shelby and Senator Jeff Sessions on their intention today to vote no on the omnibus spending bill.  That bill does not block the Obama Administration’s Syrian refugee resettlement program and further allows the President to keep states in the dark when it comes to knowing who is being admitted into our country and into our state. A majority of this nation’s governors are in agreement that the refugee vetting process, as it stands now, is unacceptable. While the omnibus bill contains provisions which are important to Alabama, nothing is more important that protecting our citizens. As Governor of Alabama I will do everything I possibly can to protect the people of this state. I commend Senator Shelby and Senator Sessions for standing against the Obama Administration’s unwillingness to solve or address this pressing issue. “